Breath
Breath - meaning Summary
Fragile Bodily Struggle
The poem addresses breath and blood as comrades that sustain a human body. It personifies these vital forces, celebrating their energetic efforts while acknowledging mortality. The tone mixes affection and wry resignation: breath and blood are praised for bravely contending to keep the speaker alive, yet the poem admits their struggle is ultimately doomed. The piece compresses a meditation on bodily life into a brief, spirited address.
Read Complete AnalysesEnter, breath; Breath, slip out; Blood, be channeled, And wind about. O, blessed breath and blood which strive To keep this body of mine alive! O gallant breath and blood Which choose To wage the battle They must lose.
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